Two pandas have left China for Canada, where they will stay for ten years. The pair, Ershun and Damao are accompanied by animal protection experts during the 12-hour flight from Chengdu to Toronto.

The animals are in special cages designed for air travel. According to a panda nutritionist, they should not eat too much during the flight, or they may feel uncomfortable and dizzy.

Ershun and Damao will stay in Toronto and Calgary zoos each for five years. The loan of the two pandas was agreed in February 2012 during a visit to Chengdu by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

China is home to more than 1,600 wild pandas, while the number of pandas in captivity stands at more than 300.

(CNTV.cn March 25, 2013)